bitch moan whine
Meditation means to concentrate on one single point. The Vedic
tradition, which is the original tradition explaining meditation,
recommends different methods, both physical and psychic, to aid this
kind of total absorbtion of the mind.
Meditation takes place in the mind by concentating on one single point
or object. To do this one uses a sound vibration to hold the mind fast
on. Most new-age methods entails making the mind empty and to do that
one stares at a flame or a circle one has drawn on the wall.
But it is not possible to empty the mind, for the mind is always full
of all kinds of thoughts, feelings and impressions that constantly
imposes themselves. Just try even for one second to not think of
anything. It's not possible.
In the classical yoga process - astanga yoga (the eight fold yoga
process) one reduces the breathing cycle to quiet the mind. If one
inhales very slowly, keeps it, and then exhales very slowly, one will
find that the mind quiets down. This form of breathing control is
called pranayama, and it is this method in particular that has a
beneficial effect on the body. How this is so I can explain in more
depth if someone might wish it.
But to concentrate the mind fully on one single point one uses a sound
vibration, ie. a mantra. All Vedic mantras are composed of names of
God. The word mantra is a Sanskrit compound of two word - mana and
trayate - meaning respectively mind and to free. So the word mantra
means that which liberates the mind.
Why a mantra is always composed of names of God is because the
ultimate best one can concentrate on is God. I the Vedic philosophy it
is explained that God's name is non-different from God Himself. On the
physical plane there is always duality. There is a difference between
a word and the object a word denotes. For instance, there is a
difference between the word water and the substance water. But on the
spiritual plane there is no duality, so there is no difference between
an object and the name of an object. I the spiritual world the
substance water and the word water is the same.
In the same way there is no difference between God's name and God
Himself. In the Vedic process meditation therefore means to
concentrate on God and that is done by focusing the mind on God's
name.
This method of mental concentration on a mantra will enhance one's
overall ability to concentrate. One will find a greater extend of
mental calm and balance during the rest of the day as well. If one for
instance meditates even 10 - 20 minuttes a day the result will be an
overall mental calm and balance. That will have a beneficial effect on
what one otherwise is doing. This is a complete scientific process
whose beneficial effect one can experience and measure. It doesn't
matter what one believes or doesn't believe - whether one is religious
or not. A genuine mantra will benefit the mind under all
circumstances.
The following is a description of how one can practically meditate. I
will give you a mantra which is - om namah bhagavate vasudevaya. It
means, O Lord, I offer my obeisances onto You. The idea is to repeat
this mantra within the mind quite slowly and focus the mind on the
sound. Every time the thoughts of the mind comes in, what they
inevitably will, one pushes them away by keeping the focus on the
mantra. In this way one can keep the mind from being occupied with all
the thoughts, feelings, and impressions it's usually engaged in.
There are those who say, that it doesn't matter what kind of sound one
concentrates the mind on, but that is false. For example, you can try
to meditate on the sound Coca-cola or Mickey Mouse and see if it has
the same effect. It doesn't. The sound of God's name has a beneficial
effect on the mind that no other sound can measure up to. Anyone can
test and verify that.
So good luck. Let me know how it goes. If there are something you want
me to explain closer I am at your service.
Have a look at my art -
http://youtu.be/uWw9o4DMHMo - God the Supreme Designer
http://youtu.be/2uRbsf9Vzg8 - Sudder street
http://youtu.be/y4F6tkoYZok - Planet Plant
http://youtu.be/e_ejv98XyL8 - Nature
http://www.touchtalent.com//artist/118705/jahnu-das